Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Kruger Shalati, also known as ‘the Train on the Bridge’ is a unique and luxurious way to experience the untamed beauty of the Kruger National Park. Perched atop an old railway bridge overlooking the Sabie River, you will find this one-of-a-kind static train converted into an opulent safari lodge.

Being a static train, the Kruger Shalati is a very different way to experience luxury train travel compared to the Rovos Rail and the The Blue Train , which travel along many routes within Southern Africa. However, even though the Kruger Shalati is permanently parked, it is no less of a luxurious experience than the other train journeys on offer.

The Kruger Shalati pays homage to the 1920s when the Kruger Park was opened to its first visitors. Visitors would travel by train to visit the Kruger National Park and the train would overnight in the exact location in which the Kruger Shalati is now permanently located.

From the moment of your arrival at the reception, you will be transported into luxury from a bygone era. The Kruger Shalati consists of a few different areas as well as the static train itself. There is a land-based section where your dining room and central lounge areas are, this is where you will meet with your guide to embark on your game drives within the Kruger National Park. The communal areas have been designed to maximize your view of the unbelievable Sabie River, this enables you to do some game viewing whilst you are enjoying your meals or just relaxing on the deck.  The other section is the train itself, permanently located on the Selati Bridge, which consists of several suites as well as a bar and pool.

The Kruger Shalati has four separate swimming pools, two on the main deck, one at the honeymoon suite, and the most spectacular swimming pool is located in the center of the train suspended over the Sabie River.

The Suites

The Kruger Shalati has two different room types, the Carriage Suites, and the Bridge House Suites.
There are 24 Carriage Suites, these are the suites that are located on the train itself. Each suite is tastefully furnished bringing in elements of the outside landscapes into the rooms. The bedrooms all have king-sized beds fitted with exquisite linens; the beds face the stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can take in all the beauty of the river below you. Each suite has a full bathroom which also makes the most of the views outside. As this is a static train you are guaranteed a great night’s sleep listening to the sounds of the Kruger in the distance. There is a wooden walkway that stretches the length of the bridge, this is your access to the suites but also a great area to stroll down the bridge to spot some wildlife in the river below.

The Bridge House is located on the banks of the river, adjacent to the main area of the lodge. There are 7 Bridge House Suites, these include family rooms as well as the honeymoon suite which has its own splash pool. Again, these suites can be made up as a king-sized bed or twin beds and each suite has its own full bathroom. These suites give guests a gorgeous view of the train on the bridge as well as the surrounding bush and river below.

The Activities

The Kruger Shalati offers two daily game drives, these usually take place in the early morning and late afternoon as this is when the animals are at their most active. The wildlife in the Skukuza area of the Kruger National Park is abundant with possible sightings of the Big 5 as well as plains game and incredible birdlife. Whilst you are not out on a game drive you can enjoy a spa treatment or take a dip in the overhanging pool during the heat of the day whilst you watch animals come down to the river for a drink.

Including a stay at the Kruger Shalati is an utterly unique way to incorporate a safari into your Southern Africa tour and a wonderful way to see the Kruger National Park.

Costs

2024
Carriage Suites:
R 11 450 per person per night sharing
R 2 865 single supplement

Bridge House Suites:
R 7 350 per person per night sharing
R 1840 single supplement

Family Suite:
R 7 350 per person per night sharing
R 3 675 per child per night sharing (no children under 6 years old)

Honeymoon Suite:
R 8 500 per person per night sharing
R 2 125 single supplement

2025
Carriage Suites:
R 12 950 per person per night sharing
R 3 240 single supplement

Bridge House Suites:
R 7 950 per person per night sharing
R 1 990 single supplement

Family Suite:
R 7 950 per person per night sharing
R 3 975 per child per night sharing (no children under 6 years old)

Honeymoon Suite:
R 9 150 per person per night sharing
R 2 290 single supplement

Costs include:
Accommodation
All meals, teas, and coffees daily
Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
Two game drives daily in open safari vehicles
Return road transfers between the Skukuza Airport and the lodge
WIFI

Costs exclude:
Conservation Levy (Kruger National Park Entrance fees)
1% Community Levy
Premium Beverages
Telephone calls
Purchases from the Kruger Shalati Boutique
Spa treatments
Transfers to and from the lodge other (than to/from Skukuza Airport)
Airport taxes or landing fees, where applicable
Gratuities